The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture held nothing back on the University of Illinois campus yesterday (Thursday Sept 10) when he talked about bio fuels and blender pumps for 21 states. Todd Gleason has more from the U of I’s Energy Farm just south of the Urbana-Champaign campus.

The Secretary of Ag came to the U of I campus…
2:00 radio
2:13 radio self contained

The Secretary of Ag came to the U of I campus to talk about two things. The importance or agricultural research and blender pumps. However, he started his press conference with a shot over the bow of the oil industry. He thinks it is fearful of competition from farmers. Competition that Tom Vilsack says is making gasoline more affordable.

Vilsack :22 …to create job opportunities in rural places.

Quote Summary - They know it is reducing the cost of gasoline to consumers by about $2.50 for every barrel of crude oil that is used in gas production. They know it is better for the environment, reducing emissions. And they know that it helps to stabilize farm economy and to create job opportunities in rural places.

To that end the Obama Administration has decided to free up $100,000,000 of federal funds, matched with another $100,000,000 from private partners to help develop the infrastructure to handle higher blends of ethanol.

Vilsack :14 …all for E15, E85, and higher blends of ethanol.

Quote Summary - Twenty-one states will be involved in expanding and providing assistance to petroleum marketers and convenience store operators to expand the number of pumping systems that will all for E15, E85, and higher blends of ethanol.

USDA wants to double the number of blender pumps available. He expects an additional 5000 pumps and systems to be installed. Consumers will need to be aware of the pumps and how they work, but Paul Jeschke an Illinois corn grower from Mazon says it shouldn’t really cause any problems.

Jeschke :23 …use at least E15 with know major problems in their opinion.

Quote Summary - As a general statement, cars made after 2001can probably burn E15 alright, but they should consult their owners manual and the local dealer they do maintenance with. EPA has determined most cars built after 2001 can use at least E15 with know major problems in their opinion.

The roll out of new blender pumps and systems will take some time. Consumers can expect to see the build out begin within the next year.